Sampling for Plastic on
Puget Sound Beaches
PTMSC, along with partnering community organizations like WSU Beach Watchers, is currently conducting biannual beach sediment sampling to determine where and how much micro plastic debris is accumulating on Puget Sound beaches.
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Substrate is collected from a 1m2 area in the highest tide line on a sandy beach |
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The substrate then placed through 2 sieves, separating the material into large (over 5 mm) and small (1-5 mm) size classes. |
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Natural material is left behind, while the man-made is then sorted into types of plastics. The debris is then counted and weighed. |
In October 2008, sand samples were collected on 16 beaches
in a total of 7 Puget Sound
Preliminary Results from Fall 2008
